Level 2 • Lesson 32 — Keep a Simple Daily Journal

Objective

I can keep a simple daily journal by writing the date, a short topic line, and 2–3 detail sentences about one idea from my day.

Materials

Pencil ✏️ and eraser
Notebook or tablet notes app
Tracing Pad (below) for planning words

Tip: Use the pattern Date → Topic line → Details. Keep all details on the same idea.

Mini-lesson — What does a daily journal entry include?

Date: Example: November 3, 2025.
Topic line: One short line about the focus. “Soccer practice at the park.”
2–3 details: Facts, feelings, or actions that fit the topic.
Stay on topic: Everything should connect to your topic line.
Closing (optional): One final thought. “I felt proud of my goal.”

Guided Practice — Plan on the Tracing Pad

Plan a journal entry about recess or free time:

Date: Today’s date
Topic line: “Playing tag at recess.”
Details (2–3): Who played? What happened? How did you feel?

Use key words on the pad: date, topic, detail, because.

Tracing Pad

Lines Letter

Pen

Drag & Drop — Build Clear Journal Sentences

Drag the chips into the slots to make sentences that could fit a daily journal. Keep punctuation at the end.

Todaywassunnyatrecess.

Iranlapswithmyfriends.

Wetookturnsontheswings.

BecausethegrasswaswetIworeboots.

FirstIwrotethedateneatly.

NextIaddedtwodetailsentences.

FinallyIwrotehowIfelt.

Mytopiclinesaysthemainidea.

Detailsentencesexplainwhathappened.

Transitionshelpmyideasflow.

Ikeepallthesentencesononetopic.

Aclosinglinecanshareafeeling.

Quick Check (15 questions)

1) What should you write first in a daily journal?

A random detail The date A drawing

2) A topic line should…

list three foods be a question only say the main idea

3) How many detail sentences does this lesson aim for?

2–3 5–6 0

4) Which sentence fits a topic about “Playing tag”?

The library is quiet. I chased Max and then Bella tagged me. Penguins live in cold places.

5) Which order makes sense?

Details → Date → Topic Topic → Closing → Date Date → Topic → Details

6) Which is a good transition?

first zebra sandwich

7) Choose the sentence that shows a feeling.

I wrote the date. I felt proud after the race. The bell rang.

8) What should you do if a sentence does not fit your topic?

Keep it anyway Color it green Remove or revise it

9) Which topic line is best?

Building a snowman after school My life Things

10) A closing line can…

list many unrelated facts wrap up the idea or share a feeling change the topic

11) Reading your entry aloud helps you check…

rhyme color if all sentences fit the topic

12) Which belongs in a journal about “Biking”?

I learned to ride without training wheels. The moon is far away. Spaghetti tastes like noodles.

13) Best reason to keep a journal:

To copy someone else’s work To remember and reflect on your day To skip writing practice

14) Which shows a detail?

We drew maps of the playground in groups. School exists. Colors are colors.

15) The best time to write a daily journal is…

only on weekends once a month the same time each day

Assessment (parent/teacher)

Writes the date correctly Includes a clear topic line Adds 2–3 fitting details on one topic Uses simple transitions (first, next, finally) Optional closing line wraps up idea or feeling

Exit ticket (student)

😀 I can write a daily journal with date, topic, and details 🙂 I need practice staying on one topic 😅 It was tricky to think of useful details

I will practice…

Writing the date neatly Planning a short topic line Adding 2–3 matching details

Lesson 32: Keep a Simple Daily Journal